Hi! My name is Katie Deal, a friend of the Watson family and "Aunt Katie" to Levi and Owen.

One week after meeting Bo and Lauren, Owen had his first seizure. They rushed him to the hospital, where he was diagnosed with Sturge-Weber Syndrome (SWS). SWS is a rare neurological condition where there is abnormal development of the small blood vessels of the brain, eyes, and skin. Blood doesn't flow naturally through these abnormal vessels, causing less than enough oxygen to those parts of the body.

For Owen, SWS has affected his brain. He has been in the hospital multiple times since his diagnosis at 8 months old in September of 2024. He has had MRIs, EEGs to monitor his brain, and takes many different medications each day to decrease seizure activity.

There is no cure for SWS, but there are different ways to decrease the likelihood of further seizures and neurological deficits. Owen will be undergoing a surgery to remove the portion of his brain that is impacted by these abnormal blood vessels on July 17th. This will be performed at a hospital 2 hours away from home. They expect Owen to be in the hospital for at least a week after his surgery and he will have frequent follow up appointments for the next year.

Owen is a sweet, fun, 17 month old. He hasn't let the symptoms of SWS stop him from walking, talking, and growing every day. He is a mama's boy who loves contact naps, playing with is big brother, and all the snacks.

The Watsons would be deeply appreciative of any prayers for Owen, Lauren and Bo, big brother Levi, and Owen's medical team. They would also be incredibly blessed by any donation to their family for travel, food, and medical expenses they will incur over the next month.